February 25, 2022

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - Here’s the latest on the Ukraine crisis, as Russian forces close in on the capital, Kyiv. Pope Francis visited the Russian Embassy to the Holy See on Friday morning to, quote, “show his concern for the war.” Expressing great sadness at the worsening situation in Ukraine, Pope Francis asked world leaders to “make a serious examination of conscience before God.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250485/pope-francis-visits-russian-embassy-to-vatican-to-show-his-concern-at-ukraine-conflict The Catholic bishops’ conference of Russia has called on political leaders to end the conflict with Ukraine. “Our peoples deserve peace,” the bishops said, “not just the absence of war, but the kind of peace that consists in a firm determination to respect other people, other peoples, and their dignity.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250483/russia-s-catholic-bishops-call-on-leaders-to-end-conflict-with-ukraine The Catholic Church in Poland is mobilizing to help thousands of Ukrainians seeking refuge in the country. Parishes and Church institutions in the Central European country are opening their doors to a stream of refugees crossing the 332-mile border with Ukraine. Other Church organizations are preparing retreat houses and other buildings to house people fleeing the war. Jasna Góra, Poland’s largest shrine, is providing space for Ukrainians in its pilgrim house. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250482/how-poland-s-catholics-are-helping-ukrainian-refugees The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need has committed one million euros to support the work of the Church in Ukraine, and is accepting help raising funds to assist the Church in the country. Among other things, the financial support will aid the 4,879 priests and religious brothers and 1,350 religious sisters in Ukraine. htt